A tobacco compliance check held in Forreston last week resulted in one citation for selling cigarettes to a minor, said Forreston Police Chief Mike Boomgarden.

Every year, the Forreston Police Department conducts these checks to ensure that local businesses are compliant with the law. The sale of tobacco is prohibited to those under 18. The checks are funded with a grant from the Illinois Liquor Control Commission’s Tobacco Enforcement Program.

Boomgarden said two Forreston establishments were inspected during the most recent check: the Midtown BP store at 209 N. Walnut Ave., and the Depot Mobile Station at 314 E. Main St.

A clerk at the BP store, Leslie Bradshaw, 35, of Forreston, was found to be in violation of the law. She was cited for selling tobacco to a minor. The Depot station was in compliance with the law.

“We take things like this very seriously,” Boomgarden said of the checks. “The local retailers are very cooperative and they are a pleasure to work with to make these checks a positive experience for all concerned.”

As part of the check, area teens are sent into retail establishments to try and buy tobacco. The teens, who are under 18, use their own IDs to make the purchase. The purpose of the check is not to trick the clerks, but to make sure they follow the law, Boomgarden said.

“We give them every opportunity to pass,” Boomgarden said.

Officials at the BP store were unavailable for comment. Tracey Anderson, co-owner of the Depot Mobile Station, said she was pleased that her store was in compliance.

“On behalf of the owners, we’re proud of our employees for doing such a good job,” Anderson said.

Two additional tobacco checks are planned for Forreston this year. For more information on the program, contact the Forreston Police Department at (815) 938-2400.